LADIES IN CAMP.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 10 April 1912, Page 6

LADIES IN CAMP.

EASTER, AT THE MATJNGATAPU. (By a Visitor..) A party of seven young ladies from tho city decided to hold, an Easter encampment, and Good Friday was the day appointed 'for the departure. The company were favoured with splendid weather for their journey to the foot of the Afj-ung-atapu. and arrived at the appointed spot with hearts full of glee, but to their surprise they found their abode had beta christened "The Wowser's Retreat." Therefore, in sympathy with Mrs. Pankhurst, of suffragette lame, they decided to re-christen it "The Suffragettes' Retreat." Having set up the sign-board, the mid-day repast was prepared with the aid of a frying pan, and s-iusages and other dainties were served up. After tea. the suffragettes, before retiring, amused with modern palmistry (in which, some were adapts) and telling stirring tales, etc. At length "lights out" was sounded, and the company were soon in the land of dreams. The stillness of the night was broken only by the sound of a neighbouring stream and the roaring of deer (dears). On Saturday the first duty was to get things in. order, as visitors -were expected from town. The visitors' duly arrived, but not too early, and after being treated to venison pie and fruit satads, etc.. a start was made for some neighbouring falls. Two hours' laborious climbing and the spot was reached, but not after many falls (in the water). Two only out of the seven managed to gain the falls, the others finding the task too big. Considering the nature of the country the two heroines deserve great praise for their pluck and perseverance. After several snapshots were taken (no plates being broken) the company returned to camp. Soon the scene round the fire represented a laundry in full svring. After tea the visitors retamed, to town. Sunday broke wet and the girl© were forced to have a day at hom«. On Monday the company, after a most enjoyable four days' outing, started for town, fuil ; of regret at having to leave "The Suffragettes' Retreat."